Development of in-bore magnetostrictive transducer for ultrasonic guided wave based-inspection of steam generator tubes of PFBR.

This report identifies a number of requirements for prognostics health management of passive systems in AdvSMRs, documents technical gaps in establishing a prototypical prognostic methodology for this purpose, and describes a preliminary research plan for addressing these technical gaps. AdvSMRs span multiple concepts; therefore a technology- and design-neutral approach is taken, with the focus being on characteristics that are likely to be common to all or several AdvSMR concepts. An evaluation of available literature is used to identify proposed concepts for AdvSMRs along with likely operational characteristics. Available operating experience of advanced reactors is used in identifying passive components that may be subject to degradation, materials likely to be used for these components, and potential modes of degradation of these components. This information helps in assessing measurement needs for PHM systems, as well as defining functional requirements of PHM systems. An assessment of current state-of-the-art approaches to measurements, sensors and instrumentation, diagnostics and prognostics is also documented. This state-of-the-art evaluation, combined with the requirements, may be used to identify technical gaps and research needs in the development, evaluation, and deployment of PHM systems for AdvSMRs. A preliminary research plan to address high-priority research needs for the deployment of PHM systemsmore » to AdvSMRs is described, with the objective being the demonstration of prototypic prognostics technology for passive components in AdvSMRs. Greater efficiency in achieving this objective can be gained through judicious selection of materials and degradation modes that are relevant to proposed AdvSMR concepts, and for which significant knowledge already exists. These selections were made based on multiple constraints including the analysis performed in this document, ready access to laboratory-scale facilities for materials testing and measurement, and potential synergies with other national laboratory and university partners.« less

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Technical Needs for Prototypic Prognostic Technique Demonstration for Advanced Small Modular Reactor Passive Components

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.7567/JJAP.57.07LB16/pdf

CaBi4Ti4O15-based lead-free sol–gel composites for high-temperature application

Continuous ultrasonic in-situ monitoring for industrial applications is difficult owing to the high operating temperatures in industrial fields. It is expected that ultrasonic transducers consisting of a CaBi₄Ti₄O15(CBT)/Pb(Zr,Ti)O₃(PZT) sol-gel composite could be one solution for ultrasonic nondestructive testing (NDT) above 500 °C because no couplant is required and CBT has a high Curie temperature. To verify the high temperature durability, CBT/PZT sol-gel composite films were fabricated on titanium substrates by spray coating, and the CBT/PZT samples were tested in a furnace at various temperatures. Reflected echoes with a high signal-to-noise ratio were observed up to 600 °C. A thermal cycle test was conducted from room temperature to 600 °C, and no significant deterioration was found after the second thermal cycle. To investigate the long-term high-temperature durability, a CBT/PZT ultrasonic transducer was tested in the furnace at 600 °C for 36 h. Ultrasonic responses were recorded every 3 h, and the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio were stable throughout the experiment.

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/17/12/2740/pdf

Mn-Doped CaBi4Ti4O15/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Ultrasonic Transducers for Continuous Monitoring at Elevated Temperatures

This chapter gives an overview of life management issues of sodium cooled fast neutron spectrum reactors (SFRs). The topics covered in this chapter include robust design and validation, design by analysis philosophy, materials selection, manufacturing processes, state-of-the-art operation and maintenance strategies, meticulous in-service inspection, materials behaviour and ageing management, human resources and knowledge and asset management. The present state-of-the-art of PLiM practices for SFRs is reviewed and future trends in life assessment procedures and R&D required for further enhancing the safety and reliability of SFRs are highlighted.

P. Chellapandi

Papers

Plant life management (PLiM) practices for sodium cooled fast neutron spectrum nuclear reactors (SFRs)